US President Trump Sets Tough Line On Iran: "We Could Hit Back Hard"

New Delhi: US President Donald Trump stood beside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday and delivered a blunt message to Iran that if Tehran restarts work on long-range missiles or nuclear weapons, the US could back a "major strike" similar to the one carried out earlier this year. 

Trump said Washington is watching Iran's military moves closely and warned there would be serious consequences for stepping up weapons programs. 

What Did Trump Say?

At the news conference at Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, speaking beside Netanyahu, the president said US intelligence suggests Iran may be trying to rebuild capabilities hit by previous strikes. He stressed that another attack would depend on what Tehran does next. 

During the press conference, trump said, "I've been reading that they're building up weapons and other things, and if they are, they're not using the sites we obliterated, but possibly different sites."

"We know exactly where they're going, what they're doing, and I hope they're not doing it because we don't want to waste fuel on a B-2. It's a 37-hour trip both ways. I don't want to waste a lot of fuel," he added.

Why Is This Warning Now?

The warning comes amid ongoing pressure on Iran after the US and its allies targeted Iranian nuclear sites in June. Trump and Netanyahu used the meeting to push forward a fragile ceasefire plan in Gaza, even as concerns grow about Iran's regional role and its support for militant groups. 

Trump tied his message on Iran to broader Middle East diplomacy. He told reporters that reviving peace efforts in Gaza and enforcing disarmament by militant groups like Hamas are top priorities. He also underscored US support for Israel's security.

Where Do Things Go Next?

Trump and Netanyahu said they hope to move a stalled ceasefire plan in Gaza into its next phase, including international peacekeepers. But progress will depend on tougher steps from militant groups on disarmament and deeper diplomatic engagement, something that has proved elusive so far. 

The world is watching closely. Any shift by Iran’s leadership on weapons programs could reshape security calculations in the Middle East and beyond.